2. ANALYZING CHANGE Describe how constitutional amendments gradually changed voting rights in the United States.

## Step 1<br />The question is asking for an analysis of how constitutional amendments in the United States gradually changed voting rights. This involves understanding the historical context and the implications of each amendment.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, was the first to address voting rights. It prohibited the federal government and each state from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen's "race, color, or previous condition of servitude." This amendment was a significant step towards extending voting rights to African American men.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote. This was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement and expanded the electorate to include women.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The 24th Amendment, ratified in 1964, abolished the poll tax for federal elections. This was a significant step towards ensuring that voting rights were not dependent on a person's ability to pay.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971, lowered the voting age to 18. This was a significant step towards ensuring that young adults had a voice in the political process.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />The 6th Amendment, which guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, is not directly related to voting rights. However, it is important to understand the context of the question and the amendments that are relevant to voting rights.